primary InterFaith Organizations

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Organization

United Religions Initiative

History

In 1993 while attending the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, California Episcopal (Anglican) Bishop William Swing asked himself where the worlds religions were in the UNs collaborative search for peace. After dozens of visits to religious leaders, he hired a small staff in San Francisco and began a four-year organisational-design study that led to a grassroots structure and set of principles for action on behalf of the common good. These principles became the basis for URIs Charter of June 26 2000.

World at peace, sustained by engaged and interconnected communities committed to respect for diversity, nonviolent resolution of conflict and social, political, economic and environmental justice.

Mission

A global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.

Goals

To promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

Approach

Through local and global initiatives that build the capacity of our more than 525 member groups and organizations, called Cooperation Circles, to engage in community action such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, education, women’s and youth programs, and advocacy for human rights.
Cooperation Circles are unique to URI's organizational design.

Structure

Trustees, Council, executives, global office and regional or zonal personnel support the infrastructure for

Scale

Larger

Scope

International

Activity

Cooperation Circles (CCs) are transcending religious and cultural divisions all around the world to create inclusive, on-the-ground solutions to critical issues facing their communities and regions. Key areas of work include Peacebuilding, Youth, Environment and Women.